According to White Ribbon Scotland, one woman in ten is raped in her lifetime, and at least one in five women in Scotland will suffer domestic abuse. The conviction rate for rape in Scotland stands at 3.7% - less than one in twenty cases.

Reclaim the Night marches are great for raising awareness of violence against women, making marchers feel empowered, and meeting other people who have the same concerns as them. Does it do justice to the realities of violence against women? Reclaim the Night marches started in the 1970s to protest against violence against women. In 1981 they gained new meaning after serial killer Peter Sutcliffe was arrested and stood trial for murdering thirteen women throughout the previous decade; many of his victims were sex workers. The police response was underwhelming; part of their response was to advise women not to go out alone at night. This caused outrage, especially since prostitutes often have no choice other than to work under cover of darkness. 

 Reclaim the Night has rightly been a feminist tradition to this day.Where it falls down, though, is in perpetuating the myth that rape usually happens at night and on the streets. According to Rape Crisis Scotland, only 8% of rape is ‘stranger rape’. The remaining 92% of rapes are committed by partners, family members, and friends. The emphasis on a night-time march does a huge disservice to those women who have fallen victim to rape at the hands of people they know. People often think of rapists as creepy men hanging around back streets while the reality is very diff erent. Women are far more likely to be raped by their boyfriends than when 'tottering home' after a night out.

While the facts about rape are emphasised by many Reclaim the Night organisers, including those of Edinburgh’s march, the disparity between the facts and our actions send a confusing message. Feminists are often busy preemptively patting themselves on the back for their actions in helping women, without taking the time to consider what message is being sent.

Reclaim the Night is still an important date in the feminist calendar, and the sentiment of it entirely admirable and I would urge all of you to go, as it’s vital to remind people about how horrifically widespread violence against women is. However, we also need to make it clear that women have more than the night to reclaim. We must to put pressure on our politicians and our police so that they recognise the need to ensure that women can feel safe everywhere and always: on the street and at night, yes, but also in the home in broad daylight. 

 Reclaim the Night Edinburgh is on 28th May at 8.30pm, starting at the Usher Hall on Lothian Road. and marching to Teviot House, Bristo Square. All are welcome, including men and non-students.